Armenia’s government earmarks 750mln drams for frost-affected farms

YEREVAN, April 10. /ARKA/. Armenia’s government allocated about 750 million drams for farmers who suffered damage from the cold spell through compensation for land tax and irrigation fees at its meeting Thursday.

The snowfall of March 30 accompanied by hail, severe wind and drop in temperature seriously damaged crops in Armenia. According to some estimates, damage to apricot trees alone may reach $25 million.

The land tax will be made up for fully, whereas the irrigation fees will be compensated for by 50%, deputy minister of territorial administration Vache Terteryan said.

Vice-premier, acting minister of territorial administration Armen Gevorgyan said regional governments should make up lists of beneficiaries and publish them on their official websites.

Gevorgyan instructed the State Water Committee to post the lists on their website as well.

Acting minister of labour and social affairs Artem Asatryan said his agency will be providing support similar to the one to hail-affected farms in Armavir Marz last year.

Last year a total of 120 million drams was provided to 630,000 families, he said. This year frost-affected farms will get 150-200 million drams in support, according to the acting minister. ($1=415.28drams). –0--